Causes of stomachache during menstruation

Stomach pain during menstruation may be caused by primary dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids or adenomyosis.

1. Primary dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea refers to dysmenorrhea without pelvic organic disease, which usually occurs within 1-2 years after menarche. The pain usually occurs before menstruation or 1-2 days after menstruation, manifesting as spasmodic pain in the lower abdomen. It may be related to the increased secretion of prostaglandins in the endometrium during menstruation. It is recommended to apply heat to the lower abdomen and exercise moderately. If necessary, you can use ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, acetaminophen tablets, naproxen sodium tablets and other drugs to relieve pain as directed by your doctor.

2. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Common symptoms include lower abdominal pain during menstruation, dyspareunia, and infertility. The pain usually starts 1-2 days before menstruation and lasts throughout the menstrual period. It may be related to menstrual blood reflux, immune factors, etc. It is recommended to seek medical examination and may need to use dienogest tablets, leuprolide acetate microspheres or levonorgestrel intrauterine sustained-release system.

3. Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infectious disease of the female upper reproductive tract, mostly caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia infection. In addition to abdominal pain during menstruation, it may also be accompanied by symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge and fever. The pain is mostly persistent dull pain. It is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly, and antibiotic treatment such as ceftriaxone sodium for injection, doxycycline tablets or metronidazole tablets may be required.

4. Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors formed by the proliferation of uterine smooth muscle tissue. When fibroids are located under the mucosa or within the muscle wall, they may cause increased menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual periods, and dysmenorrhea. The pain is mostly compressive swelling. It is recommended to review regularly, and if necessary, consider using mifepristone tablets, leuprolide acetate for injection, or surgical treatment.

5. Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is the invasion of the myometrium by endometrial glands and stroma. The main symptoms are progressively aggravated dysmenorrhea, increased menstrual flow and uterine enlargement. The pain is mostly spasmodic and may radiate to the lumbosacral region. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation and may need to use danazol capsules, levonorgestrel intrauterine sustained-release system, or consider surgical treatment.

It is recommended to keep warm during menstruation and avoid strenuous exercise and cold and raw foods. Keep your vulva clean and choose hygienic products with good breathability. You can try applying heat to your lower abdomen or gently massaging it to relieve pain. If the pain seriously affects daily life or is accompanied by other abnormal symptoms, you should seek medical examination in time. Maintaining a regular schedule and moderate exercise can help improve pelvic blood circulation and reduce menstrual discomfort symptoms.